Elders & Deacons, Part 3

Part 3

Ephesians 4:11-12 - Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. NLT

1 Corinthians 12:28 - Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, … NLT

2 Timothy 4:2-4 - Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 3For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching.

They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4They will reject the truth and chase after myths. NLT

Hebrews 10:24-25 – Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. NLT

Hebrews 3:12-13 – Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. 13You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. NLT

2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. ESV

1 Peter 5:1-3 - So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:

2shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. ESV

1 Timothy 5:17 - Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. NLT

The Pastor-Teacher is not separate from a Bishop,

Elder, Overseer or Presbyter.

The Pastor-Teacher is an Elder who focuses upon

Shepherding through Teaching.

Qualifications

Elders – 1 Timothy 3:1-7 & Titus 1:6

Deacons – 1 Timothy 3:8-13

Character – identical (Godliness)

Competences – An Elder needs to be able to teach & be hospitable

Acts 6:1-4 - But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

2So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom.

We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” NLT

Deaconess

Romans 16:1 – I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon (diakonos) in the church in Cenchrea. NLT

There are no functional activities listed in the NT for either a Deacon or Deaconess.

But what is described in Acts 6:1-4 and the character qualities listed in 1 Timothy for a Deacon certainly fit one who is involved with administrative responsibilities and monetary oversight.

In the NT the office of Deacon consisted of women exercising similar roles to the male Deacons.

Good Deacons Will Be Rewarded

1 Timothy 3:13 - Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus. NLT

Both Elders & Deacons are called to lead God’s church as Servants.

Both have the same required Holy standards of living (1 Tim 3:8-13; 1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:9).

Elders > Live Godly Lives > Lead > Teach > Guide > Discipline > Be Hospitable > Shepherd

Deacons > Administrative activities > Distributing Money to Widows, Orphans and the Poor > Without the requirements of Teaching and Hospitality

Acts 14:23 – “And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” ESV

Acts 20:17 – But when we landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him. NLT

Hebrews 13:17 – Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. NLT

Elder Elder

Elder

Elder

Elder(Administrative)

Elder

Elder (Teaching)

Elder (Worship)

Child

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Pa

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Deacon

Youth

Pastor

Deaco

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DeaconPrie

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Prie

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Priests

Pri

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Priests

Pri

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All Elders are PastorsAll Deacons are Pastors

Pastor means Shepherd

Deaconess

Deaconess

All Christians are Priests